BMW 3 (E46). Manual - part 233
The convertible top storage compartment
cover lock motor is on driveshaft tunnel
under rear seat. It consists of a motor
with Hall sensor, gear assembly and two
bowden cables connected to cover locks
on two sides of cover. The Hall sensor
detects locked/unlocked position of
cover.
During convertible top operation (raising
or lowering) CVM II signals General
Module (GM V) over K-bus to unlock
storage compartment. The lock motor
runs 180° to unlock cover latches. The
motor always turns in same direction to
lock or unlock.
Once motor has turned 180°, the Hall
sensor will signal GM V to switch off
motor. At the same time, GM V will
signal CVM II to continue top operation.
There are two storage compartment
cover lock Hall sensors, one mounted on
each storage cover latch. The switches
receive power and ground from CVM II.
Each switch input provides a high signal
when cover is unlocked and raised far
enough by cover hydraulic cylinders to
clear latches.
When cover is completely lowered by
hydraulic cylinders, the Hall sensors
send a signal to CVM II which signals
GM V to relock storage cover.
Top storage compartment floor
The trunk of the E46 Convertible offers
the variable convertible top storage
compartment floor. This feature allows
the luggage storage area to be enlarged
by approximately 40 liters (1.5 cu. ft.)